Cartagena, known since the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias, is a city and one of the major ports on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region, along the Caribbean sea. Cartagena's past role as a link in the route to the West Indies provides it with important historical value for world exploration and preservation of heritage from the great commercial maritime routes. Modern Cartagena is the capital of the Bolívar Department, and the second-largest city in the Caribbean region, after Barranquilla, and the fifth-largest city in Colombia. Economic activities include the maritime and petrochemical industries, as well as tourism. (
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1. Puerta del Reloj: N 10° 25.378 W 75° 32.946
The Puerta del Reloj is the main city gate of the historic center of Cartagena de Indias and the original entrance of the fortified city. It is the work of military engineer Juan de Herrera y Sotomayor, founder of the Academy of Cartagena, and its style recalls the facade of the main church of the Monasterio de San Francisco in the colonial city of San Domingo. (
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2. Noli Me Tangere Monument: N 10° 25.339 W 75° 32.905
"In the center of a narrow square dedicated to the Nine Martyrs of Independence is the Nol Me Tangere Monument. Skillfully carved from white Carrara marble by Felipe Moratilla, it was erected in 1911 on the centennial of Cartagena de Indias declaration of independence. The name translates to the warning, “Touch Me Not.” This means Cartagenans always stand ready to defend their freedom." (
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3. Monument to India Catalina: N 10° 25.588 W 075° 32.641
India Catalina (1495–1529), was an indigenous woman from the Colombian Atlantic coast, who accompanied Pedro de Heredia and played a role in the Spanish conquest of Colombia, acting as interpreter and intermediary. In Colombia today, India Catalina remains as an icon of the pacification of the Precolumbian inhabitants. The monument to India Catalina was sculpted by Eladio Gil Zambrana and presented to the public in 1974. (
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4. Statue of Blas de Lezo: N 10° 25.295 W 075° 32.398
Blas de Lezo is a recognized hero in Cartagena de Indias, which pays tribute to him in various ways: neighborhoods, avenues and squares commemorate him in their names; and his statue in front of the San Felipe de Barajas castle keeps alive among the people of Cartagena the memory of the defender of their city. (
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5. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: N 10° 25.350 W 075° 32.356
The castle was built in 1536 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was built by African slave labor under Spanish supervision during the colonial era. The fortress was involved in several battles between the late 17th to early 19th centuries between European powers. (Hours: daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) (
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